Jobs at The Citizen

Digital Reporter – Night Shift

An opportunity for a Digital Reporter, working night shifts from 14h00 – 23h00, exists within our Editorial – Digital – Department, reporting to the Digital News Editor.

Purpose of the job:

To cover news events assigned by the Digital News Editor and to produce accurate and well-written stories daily for our website.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Covering important events/issues and breaking news timeously.
  • Use sources, documents, computer-assisted reporting, and other journalistic tools to develop, report and write exclusive/unique stories.
  • Work with the Digital News Editor in the development of story and project ideas.
  • Create online/multi-media and social media content.
  • Do fact-checking of all articles you write.
  • Adhere to Code of Ethics and Editorial Standards and Practices.
  • Establishing a network of contacts.
  • Staying up to date with privacy, contempt and defamation.
  • Monitor electronic news outlets to pick up on news leads and story ideas.
  • Upload, publish and promote stories to the website and online.
  • Assist with online administrative functions as directed.
  • Monitor analytics constantly.
  • Utilise analytics to maximise all stories and articles published on citizen.co.za.
  • Adhere to Google algorithm requirements and write with SEO and Google search in mind.
  • Study and adhere to The Citizen and citizen.co.za’s Voice and Style Guide.

Core Competencies Required:

Knowledge:

  • Talent for writing, coupled with a keen interest in breaking news.
  • Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Journalism.
  • 2 – 3 years’ mainstream journalism experience.
  • Newsroom and current affairs writing experience.
  • Ability to adapt to changing news and media scene, with a keen interest in new media

Skills:

  • Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook.
  • Experience using any CMS (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)
  • Experience using Adobe CS, Final Cut or other video editing tools, or audio editing tools.
  • Basic Photography/videography skills
  • Communication skills.
  • Relationship-building skills.

Aptitude:

  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Ability to work overtime and on weekends.
  • Deadline driven.
  • High degree of professional journalistic conduct.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team.
  • Availability to work overtime and on weekends.
  • Ability to work speedily but accurately.

Other requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license essential
  • Own vehicle essential

Please send suitable applications with a full CV to cvs@citizen.co.za

Reference in the subject line: Digital Reporter

Closing date for applications: 22 July 2022

Preference will be given to individuals who will add to the diversity of the organisation.

The Citizen reserves the right to not fill the position.

COURT REPORTER

A full-time, office-based position for a COURT Reporter exists within our Editorial Department reporting to the News Editor of The Citizen newspaper, based in Industria West, Roodepoort.

Purpose of the job:

To cover news stories focusing on court cases and to write accurate and well-written copy for daily publication.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Production of accurate and well-written news copy.
  • Gathering of news focusing on high-profile court cases.
  • Generation of ideas and proposals for new stories.
  • Covering important court cases
  • Establishing a network of contacts
  • Monitor electronic news outlets to pick up on news leads and story ideas.

Core Competencies:

  • Talent for writing coupled with a keen news sense
  • Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Journalism
  • Two years experience as a Court Reporter
  • Passion for breaking news
  • Good general knowledge and knowledge of current affairs
  • Excellent knowledge of the legal system
  • Newsroom experience
  • Ability to work accurately and under pressure
  • Deadline driven
  • High degree of professionalism
  • Must be able to work independently and with little supervision
  • Fully computer literate

Other requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license essential
  • Own vehicle essential
  • Willing to work irregular hours and weekends
  • Solid references
  • No criminal record
  • Please send suitable applications with a full CV to cvs@citizen.co.za
  • Reference in the subject line: Court Reporter
  • Closing date for applications: 31 July 2022
  • Preference will be given to individuals who will add to the diversity of the organisation.
  • The Citizen reserves the right to not fill the position.

SENIOR DIGITAL JOURNALIST

Remuneration: Market Related

Province:             Gauteng

City:                       Industria West, Roodepoort

An opportunity for a Senior Digital Journalist exists within our Digital Department, reporting to the Digital News Editor of The Citizen.

Purpose of the Job:

To cover news events assigned by the Digital News Editor and to produce accurate and well-written stories daily for the Citizen’s online publication and paywall.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Publish at least 4 high-quality, Premium articles per week, across a variety of beats and topics (Exclusives, features, investigative pieces).
  • Plan and write fresh, accurate copy to deadline for all platforms, in cooperation with the Digital News Editor and Editor.
  • Manage your own daily diary, and pitching unique story ideas, with creative angles and elements.
  • Create, publish, and promote multimedia content, working independently as well as with the multimedia team.
  • Researching of articles.
  • Gathering of news from a variety of reliable sources.
  • Interviewing sources.
  • Covering important events/issues timeously.
  • Staying up to date with privacy, contempt and defamation laws.
  • Establishing and maintaining a network of contacts.
  • Adhere to Code of Ethics and Editorial Standards and Practices.
  • Monitor and effectively use social media to pick up news leads and story ideas, as well as promote your work.
  • Upload and publish stories using the company’s CMS.
  • Assist with online administrative functions as directed.
  • Mentor and coach junior staff members.
  • Monitor analytics constantly.
  • Utilise analytics to maximise all stories and articles published on citizen.co.za.
  • Adhere to Google algorithm requirements and write with SEO and Google search in mind.
  • Study and adhere to The Citizen and citizen.co.za’s Voice and Style Guide.

Core Competencies Required:

Knowledge:

  • Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Journalism.
  • Minimum 5 years’ mainstream journalism experience.
  • Talent for writing, coupled with a keen interest in breaking news and current affairs.
  • Established network of political contacts.
  • Newsroom and current affairs writing experience.
  • Ability to adapt to changing news and media scene, with a keen interest in new media

Skills:

  • Experience using any CMS (WordPress, Joomla, etc)
  • Experience in using Adobe CS, Final Cut or other video editing tools, or audio editing tools.
  • Basic Photography/videography skills
  • Communication skills.
  • Relationship-building skills.

Aptitude:

  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Deadline driven.
  • High degree of professional journalistic conduct.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team.
  • Availability to work overtime and on weekends.
  • Ability to work speedily but accurately.

Other Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Own reliable vehicle
  • Please send suitable applications with a full CV to cvs@citizen.co.za
  • Reference in the subject line: Senior Digital Journalist
  • Closing date for applications:  31 July 2022
  • Preference will be given to individuals who will add to the diversity of the organisation.
  • The Citizen reserves the right to not fill the position.

JUNIOR Digital Business Writer

An exciting opportunity for a go-getter with an excellent sense for business news exists as a business writer in The Citizen’s editorial department.

The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of daily digital business news gathering and production in South Africa.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Identify and write high quality articles on a number of business and financial interests for a wide audience.
  • Ensure that content remains relevant to The Citizen’s differing audiences.
  • Constantly track performance of written articles and make improvements where necessary.
  • Plan, commission and execute multimedia stories with a focus on business, financial interests, personal finance, etc.
  • Be the authority on all business, economic and financial developments in South Africa.
  • Contribute story ideas to other editorial sections. Work with relevant editors to generate business-orientated content for these sections.  
  • Utilise analytics to maximise all stories and articles published on citizen.co.za.
  • Adhere to Google algorithm requirements and write with SEO and Google search in mind.
  • Study and adhere to The Citizen and citizen.co.za’s Voice and Style Guide.

Core Competencies:

Knowledge/Experience

  • Matric/Grade 12 qualification or SAQA Accredited Equivalent
  • Bachelor’s or higher degree in Journalism or appropriate work experience
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience in mainstream journalism, with a proven track record in business news and financial reporting, including a wide range of industries
  • Digital newsroom experience advantageous
  • Good network of contacts
  • Good talent for writing and copy tasting abilities
  • Advanced awareness of the media law and current trends

Skills

  • Good news gathering skills
  • Good computer skills
  • Excellent people/interview/communication skills
  • Excellent organisational and administrative skills

Attitude

  • Ability to work under pressure and at times irregular hours
  • News awareness
  • Self-motivated
  • Deadline driven
  • Team player

Other requirements:

  • Valid driver’s licence
  • Own vehicle
  • Solid references
  • No criminal record
  • Please send suitable applications with a full CV to cvs@citizen.co.za
  • Reference in subject line: Junior Digital Business Writer
  • Closing date for applications:  31 July 2022
  • Preference will be given to individuals who will add to the diversity of the organisation.
  • The Citizen reserves the right to not fill the position.

Digital Sales Manager

Reporting to:  Advertising Manager

Purpose of the role

Success in this role relies on a comprehensive knowledge of Digital Advertising, a deep understanding of all components of advertising sales and ad tech (Programmatic Direct – PD – and Programmatic Guaranteed – PG) coupled with a proven track record in hitting revenue targets and closing business. Attention to detail and the ability to forecast and deliver accurate reporting are key attributes in this role.

Accountabilities and Performance metrics:

Core Competencies Required

Knowledge / Experience

  • 5+ years in Management of staff, operations, and process.
  • Market knowledge and insight.
  • Ability to establish and maintain business relationships.
  • Previous experience within the media industry.
  • Writing effective and successful proposals.

Skills

  • 5+ years of relevant experience supporting integrated digital Marketing brand presence
  • Strong grasp of digital marketing best practices across websites, landing pages, social media marketing, email, mobile, banner ads, online video, paid search, SEO, programmatic etc.
  • Deep understanding of digital analytics and the ability to translate data into actionable insights; experience using analytics tools to communicate outcomes and ROI

Attitudes

  • Innovative thinker
  • Target driven
  • Team player
  • Presentable and well spoken
  • Professional

Other Requirements

  • Matric
  • Sales or marketing Diploma (IMM/AAA) an advantage.
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Own reliable vehicle
  • Own cellphone

Please send suitable applications with a full CV to cvs@citizen.co.za

Reference in subject line: Digital Sales Manager

Closing date for applications:  15 July 2022

Preference will be given to individuals who will add to the diversity of the organisation. The Citizen reserves the right to not fill the position

Digital Sales Representative

Main Responsibilities

  • To robustly grow the digital advertising revenue.
  • To analyse and identify business solutions for The Citizen’s website and sell it to relevant advertisers.
  • To service and maintain good customer relationships with the clients and agencies.
  • Create tailored solutions which meet the client’s communication objectives.

Requirements

  • Minimum 4 years digital advertising sales experience.
  • Minimum 4 years’ experience working with Media agencies.
  • Market knowledge and insights.
  • Ability to establish and maintain business relationships both with direct clients and with agencies.
  • Sales or marketing Diploma (IMM/AAA) an advantage.
  • Previous experience within the media industry.
  • Strong digital skills which will include:

Statistics, concepts and terminology, Benefits and pricing models, Key performance metrics and laws / guidelines.

  • Must understand programmatic selling.

Other Requirements

  • Matric
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Own reliable vehicle
  • Own cellphone

Please send suitable applications with a full CV to cvs@citizen.co.za

Reference in subject line: Digital Sales Representative

Closing date for applications:  31 July 2022

Preference will be given to individuals who will add to the diversity of the organisation.

The Citizen reserves the right to not fill the position.

Publisher Programmatic Specialist

Purpose of the role

  • Maintaining the health of publisher ad server (Google Ad Manager) and existing programmatic demand.
  • Researching, recommending and implementing new features applicable to increasing yield and revenue.
  • Overseeing programmatic deal set-up and troubleshooting.
  • Monitoring and researching industry trends including but not limited to Brand Safety, Viewability, Creative Formats, Video, Native and Yield.
  • Yield management:
  • Working together with yield partners in order to ensure maximum revenue achieved through programmatic activities.
  • Monitor and maximize inventory yield by identifying risks and opportunities associated with the ad server, as well as implementing strategies to address these.
  • Creation, implementation and optimisation of ad unit blueprints.
  • Continuous audits of ad units, speed and ad unit placement.
  • Deal monitoring and optimisation ensuring optimum campaign performance for advertisers.

Accountabilities

1st Party Data Management

  • Audience discovery and activation for monetization through direct and programmatic selling.
  • Continuous monitoring of Data Management Platforms.

Search Engine Optimisation

  • Development and implementation of SEO strategies.
  • Continuous technical and on-page SEO focussed audits.
  • Working with the editorial teams to train them on SEO best practices around generating news content.
  • Researching and implementing SEO Best Practices and staying up to date with the latest search engine updates.
  • Monitoring traffic with a special focus on organic traffic.
  • Addressing all technical on-site issues and working with the DEV team to optimise technical site performance.
  • Optimisation of site structures and URL structures, in accordance with SEO best practice.

Core Competencies Required

Qualifications

  • Matric
  • Post Graduate Degree in Marketing, Digital, Communications, Media, or a related discipline is an advantage but not a mandatory requirement.

Knowledge

Intermediate to advanced understanding of:

  • Programmatic media.
  • On-page and technical SEO.
  • 1st party data.
  • Implication of third party cookie deprecation for publishers.
  • Microsoft Office Excel.

Working knowledge of:

  • HTML, CSS, WordPress (or other CMS systems).
  • Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Google Search Console, Google Data Studio and Google Ad Manager.
  • SEMRush and / or other SEO Tools available in the industry.

Thorough understanding of:

  • Ad serving technology used (current and future) and data activation.
  • Industry trends and solutions.
  • Data Management Platforms.
  • Legal implications of data.

Experience:

  • Minimum 2 years’ experience in SEO, Publisher Programmatic media and data management.
  • Strong technical skills and a basic understanding of website structures.

Other Requirements

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Own reliable vehicle
  • Own cellphone

Please send suitable applications with a full CV to cvs@citizen.co.za

Reference in subject line: Publisher Programmatic Specialist

Closing date for applications:  31 July 2022

Preference will be given to individuals who will add to the diversity of the organisation.

The Citizen reserves the right to not fill the position.